Posted on 02/14/2008 6:17:13 PM PST by happinesswithoutpeace
The three men accused of painting symbols of hate on a Columbia mosque and then setting it on fire face federal charges Tuesday.
Eric Baker, Michael Golden and Jonathan Stone are charged with unlawful possession of a destructive device.
They are not charged with committing a hate crime.
Investigators said the three used Molotov cocktails to set the Islamic Center of Columbia on fire early Saturday morning.
The U.S. Attorney said the investigation is ongoing and at least one of the men belongs to a dangerous organization, aimed at spreading hate.
Stone told investigators he's a member of the Christian Identity movement...
... and that he received a promotion in that group for his participation in setting the fire.
He claimed he earned two "stripes," according to the affidavit.
He told investigators, "Stripes or promotions are earned for committing acts of violence against enemies."
According to a representative from the Anti-Defamation League, the Christian Identity movement is a hate group with an estimated 25,000 adherents throughout the country.
The ADL representative described Christian Identity as a religious sect or ideology that is racist or anti-Semitic in nature and there are adherents of Christian Identity in Ku Klux Klan groups and Christian Identity in Nazi, skinhead groups and other groups as well.
Baker told investigators, "What goes on in that building is illegal according to the Bible he went on to explain the Nazi symbols painted on the building meant freedom on the streets. We all know and the people know that the swastika is the ultimate symbol of hate in modern civilization."
Authorities would not comment on whether hate crime charges could come.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul O'Brien said the investigation is ongoing.
"Any time a house of worship is vandalized or burned, the individuals responsible are going to meet the full force of the federal government,” he said.
There are two known Christian Identity affiliated churches in Tennessee.
Both are located in east Tennessee; the Christian Separatist Church Society in Kodak, and the House of Yahweh in New Tazewell.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, a group that tracks hate organizations of all kinds, said there are 35 active hate groups with offices across the state.
Maybe they don't have to look very hard to find one.
You are so right. They need only look into the mirror.
Well they were sentenced on Federal charges. Surprised me.
It will be a CAIR talking point, “Christians” did the mosque.
I read a report a few years back on the SPLC from some (non-partisan) group that rated/tracked non-profits. They gave Southern Poverty a “D” rating on how they handle their $$$$.
They’ve got to keep bringing in the cash, no matter what, or so it seems.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.